The Sun. — London, England, 1864-05-04 00:00:00

T HE PARSON AND THE PAUPER. LOOKS INTO LAW COURTS. THE CONFERENCE. In this Week's "FUN." 11 J OYAL ITALIAN OPERA, Covent-garden. From this time until the end of the season there will be four Opera nights in each week, viz., every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and saturday. TO-MORROW EVE' ING (Thursday), May 5, will be per formed, for the first time this season, Meyerbeer's Grand Opera, LE3 IIUtiITNNOTS. Va!enti. a, Mdlle. Pauline L cca, her fourth appearance in Enland. and first appear ance this sea on ; Margart ade Valois, Mdlie. arie 13attu ; Dama ci'Ouore, 31... dame Taglafico; Urbano, Madame Pidtee, her fir t appearance this season ; II Conte di San Itri , Faure, his first appe ,ranee this season ; Marcell°, Her: Schmi , ct, nis first • ppearance in that character in En.-;- land ; Ii Conte de Nevers, Signor Tagliafico; Meru, Signor Polnnini ; TaVallrieS, Signor Rossi; Deßetz, Signor /'a tar; liuguenot Soldier, Signor Lucchesi; and Raoul, ,Signor Mario. Conductor, Mr. Costa. The incidental Divertissement wi 1 be supported by Mdl'e. .51dile. Carmine, and M. Despla e.. Commence at ha'f past Eight. Pit tickets, 7s. ; amphitheatre =•ts. Is, 10s. ed., 75., and 55.; amphitheatre. 'es. 6d. I . ,oxts, stalls, and tickets may be had at ill, box-of:fie! under the portico of the theatre. whi:;11 is open from ten to five, and as the principal musicsellers' and librarians'. THE..kTRE ROYAL DRUR Y-L AN E. Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and 1. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, a icene from TWELFTH NIGHT. Alter which, will be produced the Grand Stage Revival of Shalcipere's Chr.nicle or Historical Play, entitled the First Part of HENRY THE FOURTH. The cast will include impersonations by those eminent krtists, Mr. PLPS, Mr.' Walter Montg om ery, Mr. Waiter HE Lacy, Mr. Addison', Mr. Ryder, Mr. itobert Itoxby, Mr. Barrett, Mr. E. Phelps, Mr. Rayner, Mr. H. Vandenhoff, Mr. ti. Belmore, Mr. }Merton, Mr. Fitzjames, Mr. Neville ; Miss Edith Wynne, Mss Rcse Leclercq, nnd Mrs. Edmund Fal coner, supported by all the Members of the Drury-lane Con pany. To conclude with AN APRIL FOOL. Mr. G. Belmore. T FIEATRE. ROYAL HAYMARKET.- Lessee.and Manager, Mr, Buckstone. THIS EVENING, AN UNLUCKY MORTAL. Mr. Wm. FArren and Miss N. Harris. After which, DAVID GARRICK. ,Messrs.es Sothern, Cbtppentlale, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, sthrsby, &c. ; Mesdames Snowden, Nelly Moore, Fitzwilliam. After which, the new Easter piece, entitled VENUS AND ADONIS. Messrs. Compton, Wm. Farren, Coe, &c.; Mes dames Louise Keeley, Snowden, Nelly Yo vier, fill, Wright, Rogers, &C. Commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Fechter. THIS EVENING, the performances will commence with THE DAY AFTER. Tilt FAIR: Messrs. Widdi combe, Garden, Moreland, and reties E. Lavenu. Alter which, Mr. John Brougham's Original Comedy, FLAYING WITH FIRE. Messrs. J. Brougham, Emery, Widdicomb, J. G. Shore ; Miss C. Leclercq, Miss Henrade, Miss P. Leclercq; 3drs. Winstanley. Doors open at 7, commence at halt-past. R OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, DRAWING-ROOMS, SECOND FLOOR, AND ATTICS. After which, Shakspere's ROMEO AND JULIET. Ro meo, Mr. J. Nelson ; Mercutio, Mr. Vining ; Nurse, Mrs. H. Marston ; Juliet, Mdlle. Stella Colas. NEW THEATRE-ICU YAL, Solo Proprietor and Mannar, M. B. Webster. THIS:EVENING,an apropos Sketch, SHAKESPEARE'S HOUSE: Messrs. J. L. Toole, it. Phillips, Stephenson. Af er which, at 8, LEAH : Miss Bateman, supported by Messrs. A. Stirling, R. Phillips, Killington, Stuart, Eburne, Stephenson ; Miss 11. Simms and mrs. To sauclude with TiiE AREA BELLE : Messrs. J. L. Toole, F. Bedford, e. Itomer, Miss Woolg - ar, and Mrs. H. Lewis. Commence at 7. MISS BATE MA N.—L E A H.-IEI6 EVENING and EVE RY E VE NIN G.—Miss Bateman will appear in her great impersonation of the Jewish ma den uhtil further notice. In order ,o give due effect to t.,is most remarkable sucaesi of the season, eu,ire.y new scenery by the celebrat,a artists Messrs. Ranson and z-ons, aqu Thompson. New dr, ss,s and appo ntments have been prepares ior its productio.:.—N.,s. in consequence of the , %reesing and numerous ~pplications as the Box-offix, ar tngement+ have Lori been made by which Seats may be ob tained a Fortnight in Aavarke. R OYAL sT. JAMES'S THEATRE. uader the Management of Mr. B. WEBSTER. Crowded with rank and fashion.— The greatly successful new Comedy every Even;ng. Amongst the artists engaged will be found the popular nimes or Mr. Benjamin Webster, Mr. Charles Mathews. Mr. Frank Matthews, Mr. J. L. Toole, Mr. Clarke, Mr. P4ul Bedford, Mr. F. Itobinson, Mr, Ashley ; Mrs. Chas. Mathews, Miss Herbert, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss A. Cottrell, Miss Fanny Josephs, Miss Patti Josephs, Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Stirling. EVERY EVENING, at 7, a Farce, with a new sensation, called SHAKE HANDS : Mr. J. Clarke, Mr. Ashley. Mr. Johnstone ; Miss Fanny Josephs and Miss Patti Josephs. At a quarter before 8, the successful new Comedy, by L. Buckingham, Esq., entitled T tiE SILVER LIN IA G : Dir. Charles Mathews, Mr. F. Robinson, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Montague; Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss A. Cottrell,. Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Stirling. At 10, OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND. Mr. Charles Mathews and Mrs. Frank 3latthews. To conclude with UNDER THE ROSE. Commerce at 7. On SATURDAY, May 7, a new Comely, by Dion Bondi caulr, Esq , in which Mr. an I Mrs. Charles Mathews will appear. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Manager, Mr. W. 11. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, ORANGE IHMSSOMS. Atter which (7th time) MAZOURKA. Mews. Honey, Turner, (to. ; Marie Wilton, bimpson, &c. Followed by TURN RIM OUT. Commence at 7. (lOALS.—he LILLESHALL COMPANY'S COAL S. Direct from their own Collieries. Marquis'. .245. per ton. I Double 203. per ton. Top 2U. „ nut 5......., 183. „ Detp ....215. „ Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pots, Westbourne Park-road, W., and i 7, South Whart, Paddington, W., and Maiden-lane, N. Best Coke lss. per chaldron. Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, Sole Agent. rEIHE THIRD EDITION OF THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, San be had Every Evening of G. R. GLhNIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. The Weather—Sun Office, May 4, 1864. THERMOMETER. This day at Two o'clock Barometer-30.02. Wind—S.E. ; moderate breeze, with rain. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAT.-111oraing, 12h. 23m.—Afternoon, 12h. 50m. To-moititow.-Morning, lh. 15m.—Afternooa, lh. 40m. • s 1.7 - .C4e-160Vit' SUM LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1864. The long and somewhat angry discussion which took place on Monday evening on the vote for the Admiralty deck at Malta.; proves that public atten tion has been drawn to the matter, and that suffi cient confidence is not placed in the management of our naval affairs to remove the uneasiness excited by Captain TALBOT'S statements, It will be remem bered that the dock in question is something more th a n a mere experiment in bricks and mortar, it is no trifling item whose wont resalt would be the unnecessary expenditure of a few thousands. It is a matter of grave and substantial importance, which may hereafter from the changes of time and circum stances even affect cur welfare and losition as a nation. Th e va lue of a first class deck in the Mediterranean is at once apparent to all seafaring men, and it is only marvellous that our authorities, even allowing for proverbial official supineness, should not long ago h ave s upplied the want. It is absolutely preposterous that the first naval power should have no prope r dock accommodation in so important a locality, When our French neighbours, more energetic or less prejudiced, h a ve no less than three docks in 'the Mediterranean capable of receiv ing the largest ships. One Would suppose tha t England must be deficient in ships, mone y, or eigincering skill for such a matter to be long treated with indifference. As was said by Sir J. PAKINGTON, who, as is usual with - him naval matters, took the side of practical common sense in the discussion, we have no dock in a good • • /m a im at Malta, and we ought to have constructed one years age. Now that the Government have made up their minds to do something, of course they meet set about it is the wrong way. The dock is to be constructed in a comparatively awkward and unfa vourable position against the judgment of good autho rities, when all the while a site in every respect vastly superior might have been hid fir the chocsing. Lord CLAr.ENcE PAGET entered into a lengthened explanation of the engagements entered into with the Maltese Government, and with a curious mix ture of virtuous indignation and pat h e ti c appeals to the opposition sense of honour he deprecated the idea of " a breach of faith." On a careful exami nation it appears, Lowever, that the alternative is not quite so formidable. The Maltese Government have not declared any objection to the dock being cons' eructed in the French Creek instead of in the Mars n, and it does not seem that the suggestion of a chaxige in the plans has been made to them. It is curious to observe how the defenders of the Marsa dock change their line of argument as the discussion goes on. When first Captain TALBOT brought the matter forward the French Creek was spoken of in slighting terms, its distance from the dockyard was declared to be much the same, and it was contended that the natural advantages of the Mersa were nearly as great.,„ Now it is admitted that there was any sort of comparison between the merits of the two sites, but that the whole matter rests on the question of possible or not possible. " All the local authorities," says Mr. WHITBREAD, would object to the Frer ch Creek, but he does not cite the name of one of those formidable opponents. Oa the other hand, it seems that the only four independent members of the Malta Council have gone se far as to address the Duke of SOMERSET on the subject, stating that they were not at all opposed to the construction of a dock in the French 'Creek, and endorsing their statement with the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce at Malta, which was to the same effect. From this we may naturally infer that there is no strong feeling on the part of the general population in the matter, and we have yet to learn that any attempt has been made to smooth matters with the authorities. The difficulty appears to be that it was stipulated that the merchant shipping should remain in undisturbed possession of French Creek until all the works intended to be performed at the Marsa are completed. This does not seem to be an insuperable obstacle, but in truth the Maltese Government form a very convenient excuse, seeing that they did not stipulate that the basin at the Mersa should be deepened 30 feet instead of 12 feet, so as to make it available for men-of-war as well as merchant vessels. One of the worst points in the Government case, however, is the manner in which they have treated the opinion of men of eminent position and long extended expe rience. Admirals CODRINGTON and Sir W. MARTIN, both of whom, from their position, are intimately acquainted with the requirements of the dock and the island, have expressed themselves very strongly against the Admiralty plan, bringing for ward many objections, all of which, as Lord C. PAGET quietly admitted, had force. They disap proved of the distance of the Mersa from the dock yard—nearly two miles, instead of 800 yards, like its rival—and declared that it would be very diffi cult to get large ships through the merchant vessels moored there. Lord C. PAGET, as we have said, changed the grounds of his defence, and endeavoured to pacify his opponents by hinting that at some future time the Government would assuredly avail itself of the superior advantages of the French Creek. Sir JOHN PAKINGTON detected one of the inconsistencies with inconvenient quick. ness,:and propounded the embarrassing query why, if no change could be made without so serious a breach of faith, the Government should have sent out gentlemen to Malta to examine into the matter. It is almost amusing to find the verbal report of the two Lords of the Admiralty gravely outweighing the repeated evidence of experienced men like Admirals CODRINGTON and MARTIN. The public will be very much of Captain 'TALBOT'S opinion that the minds of the Admiralty Lords were made up before they started. Something, however, has been gained by the opposition to the matter. Lord C. PAGET has promised the House that the dock itself shall not be commenced without Parliament being again consulted, and the vote of last Monday, so reluctantly agreed to on the part of Captain TALBOT and his friends, is only to be devoted to the deepening of the basin. The First Lord of the Admiralty also proposes to refer the question of the dock to a select committee, when we may hope to see Captain TALBOT'S augury realised, and that, however the committee may be constituted, the result of their labours will be to produce an effectual alteration in the scheme for the Malta dock. Attention may be given to an appeal to the people of Europe which has recently been drawn up for the National Association at Copenhagen,.* It has bee❑ translated into English, and wall de serves that some notice should be taken of its contents. They are the expression of strong con viction, and earnest feelings on the part of a nation that has indeed cause to declare its opinions. The indif f erence that has been displayed by some, and the unworthy part that has been taken by others in these unhappy disputes, certainly call for a fall explanation of all particulars, and a decided protest against the tyrannical conduct and aggres sive policy that has been displayed. Some pas sages in particular of this little pamphlet call for especial notice, and seem more particularly to point out the real issues of the question, such as appertain to actual events, and not such as figure in the pro blematical reports of diplomatists, and the one-sided accounts of interested parties. For instance, the enormity of the case is thus forcily described in these terse words: " The fact is that two millions of men are engaged in a life-and-death struggle with sixty millions." Certainly this is putting the chief feature of the affair before us in a prominent form, and with strong colouring. The moral de duced from this telling circumstance is that so much faith under difficulties, zeal under discouragement, and spirit before hosts of enemies could never be displayed by a people that were strengthened by the " consciousness of right." Justifiable indignation is expressed at the manner in which Prussia and Austria carry on the conflict, and the treatment which they exercise to the countries they are now occupying: 'lbis is a heavy charge against these arrogant and aggressive States, who seem to think themselves privileged to do as they please, and aro euffieientiy short-sighted as not to perceive that their cruel and unjust mode of attack is injuring their opponents less than it damages their own reputation. It is no disgrace to a small nation to succumb before a largo one. If courage and constancy animate the defenders they have done their utmost, and all must honour their motives and hallow their memory— "In man's regret they live and woman's tears," Bat language is powerless to express the scorn and contumely that belongs to those who violate the principles of fair play, transgress the laws of nations, and carry on war with the vindictiveness of barbarous tribes in savage lands, rather than as becomes the soldiers of civilisation fighting beneath the banners of Christendom. It is shown how the fair promises first made by the besieging armies were broken, the engagements unfulfilled, and the tactics entirely changed. They who were for not disturbing a ny civil functions at first, speedily c`-langel their determination, and proceeded to en force their dictatorial (hafts in the most barefaced manner and with the moat unblushing effrontery. All officials were dismissed that were not German in their symp a thi es aside. In all ; the Danish language was put places where the mixed tongues of Germany and Denmark were in use, it was impera• tively commanded that German solely should be substituted. In fact, as it is put here, S.hleswig was thenceforward to be trans formed into a German prov:tire. Such trickery and subterf uge may be v ery we ll in * "Appeal to the People of Europe," issued by the National Association, at Copenhagen, Bentley, New BnrliDgtou-street. accordance with the notions of despotic powers who think the end justifies the means, but the general world of honest and independent spirits will censure and condemn such low cunning, and such deepelyed treachery. Can a more unfair edict be sent forth than the one which enforces atten dance for two years at the University of Kiel, as a sine qua non for the admission of candidates to any official appointments in the duchy. Great stress is laid upon the fact that Germany has never ceased to prevent the disputes and foster the differences that reigned between the inhabitants and the governors. These would long since have given place to universal feelings of amity had not the insidious enemy laid in ambush and dealt the fatal blow in the dark, which open and straight• forward warfare could never have accomplished. The greatest impartiality was always displayed by the Danish Government in the matter of languages, and hence the summary extinction of the Danish tongue is as unwarrantable as it is harsh and interfering. " The wise and equitable rule of the Danish Government that in those parts of the country in which both Danish and German are spoken, should be used in public life, has been destroyed by a stroke of the pen." Those who have not minutely investigated the question nor thoroughly analysed its details will be struck on perusing this earnest little sketch with the deep design and subtle manoeuvres that distinguish the course of the aggressive intruders. Their cunning is worthy of the dark secrets of the middle ages, when all law was put aside if it chafed against the wishes of the strong, and stood in the path of un worthy ambition and greedy love of gain. A danger that lurks in the distance is very strongly spoken of here, namely, that Prussia will not rest until she has effected a sweeping change in the Go vernment at Copenhagen. This dark design was foreshadowed in the interview which took place be tween Lord WODETIOUSE and the renowned Herr TON BISMARK. The latter expressed his conviction that it would be necessary to have the present Danish Ministry dismissed, for no certain under standing could be arrived at between Germany and Denmark so long as the present democratic znstitu bons were maintained. There can be no doubt that the consequence of this unhappy change would be to introduce innovations of a startling nature into the political constitution and national existence of Denmark. It is quite impossible to overlook the significance of the mode adopted by the invaders in removing all traces that would tend to show that any part of Schleswig ever appertained to the Danish Crown. The Royal arms and initials are to be removed faom the public buildings, the clergy are forbidden to pray for the Royal family, and the Dannebrag, the ancient and glorious flag of the country, which has for centuries waved over the territory of Schleswig,and from the masts of its ships navigating the most distant oceans, has been super seded by the flag of the Schleswig-Holstein rebellion of 1848." Surely it is a strange thing that such transactions should take place, and yet Europe looks on unmoved, thus sanctioning in a great de gree the oppressors and their actions. Political motives, personal prejudice, party claims, and a host of other influences ail combine to cause the fatal delay and create the unfortunate situation which all lovers or freedom must deplore, and all honest men reprobate. The wiseacres must be indeed at a loss for opportunities of displaying their petty spite and malice, when they order the editors of newspapers to insert news from the king dom under the head of " foreign intelligence." Truly is it here stated that all these plans and pro positions tend to reveal that there was truth in Marshal WRANGEL'S words, that " Schleswig must now become a German province." When the 01E. cials of a c9untry are permitted to ill-treat and assault respectable individuals, it augurs ill for the justice of their cause, or for the integrity of their rulers at home. We are informed that some of the " arrested citizens" were marched through the streets with their hands tied behind their backs, and scarcely any covering on ace), though it was piercingly cold. Such brutality is a stigma on the name of Prussia that no time will efface, and the most renowned exploits in the field could never atone for the want of common feeling and sense of honour so glaringly manifested in these details. There was a monument in Flensborg churchyard over the graves of the Danish warriors who fell in the battle of Idstead in 1850. Instead of pr,,o tecting this noble work of art from injury, as was expected, the Prussian general allowed his troops to destroy it. Surely it was enough to trample upon the living, without desecrating the dead. It is truly said of this disgraceful and dastardly trans action, that by this act of infamy the Pruasians have put the crown on their brutal proceedings at Schleswig, and have rendered themselves worthy of the name of the modern Vandals of Europe. This appeal to the people of Europe is a mournful thing to peruse ; it should be a stirring summons to the free people of all lands, and speak to them as the trumpet blast that calls to action, bat at present there is too much reason to fear that it will be put aside for a more convenient opportunity— at all events we here meet with a very excellent resume of the events of this unequal struggle, and can ponder on the position of a brave people deserted by all around them, and tree to the last to the instincts of honour and of freedom. Far distant generations, in the light of a younger and brighter day of the world's annals, may wonder how the nations were mute while the sacrifice was made, and that there was no warning voice to,tell the governments of the different states of their departure from good faith, and their unworthy in action when so much was required from them. 1 The Confederate War Steamer Georgia, The members of the Liverpool Southern Club in tend to entertain the officers of the Georgia at a banquet. The names of the officers are Lieutenant Commanding W. E, Evans, of Alabama ; Lieuten ant G. H. Ingram, South Carolina ; Lieutenant C. K. King, Virginia ; Lieutenant S. S. Lee (nephew of General Lee), Virginia ; John G. Walker, master, South Carolina ; Thomas J. Wheeden, doctor ; R. W. Curtis, paymaster ; James M. Morgan, mid. shipman ; Cornelius Hunt, master's mate; Dunn, gunner. With regard to th© Georgia herself, she is now moored alongside the Victoria Wharf, Bir kenhead, close to the spot where the Alabama was fitted out. On Monday evening Lieutenant Evans addressed the crew, informing them that those who wanted leave of absence might go away for a short time, while those who wished to leave the ship altogether might do so at once, and would be paid off. Very few of the men, however, left the ship. MRS* MACREADY'S DRAMATIC RECITALS.—Mrs. Macready, a lady who is well known in America as a " reel tationiste," and in England, Ireland, and Scotland as a reciter, commenced a series of dramatic recitals last night at the Queen's Concert-room, Hanover-square, before a very good audience. The selection comprised part of the fourth canto of hcott's "Lady of the Lake," scenes from the " Honeymoon," and the " School for Scandal," several comic and pathetic iniscellanecuspieces, and two scenes from "Mac beth," including the sleep-walking scene. Mrs. Macready has a fine presence,-an expressive face, a powerful voice, and the most perfect self-possession. Her delivery has all the force, faults, merits, and peculiarities of American elocution, and it reminds us somewhat of Miss Bateman's delivery. The series is announced to extend to six more recitals, which will be given on different dates throughout the month, the programme being changed on each occasion. SHIELDS, 'Tuesday, Noon.—lt was currently re ported in this seaport last nigahntthatthoeAeurs to Balietrianfl a ee t t had e Tynef I D t e o al ,;o f a o i. r the North Sea, a had orders HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE, Otto Nicolai's " Falstaff," Fifteen years after its original production at Berlin, Nicolai's sprightly opera "Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor"—otherwise the operatic version of Shakspere's "Merry Wives of Windsor" has been at last performed (let us say at once, with the most brilliant effect) here in London. It was sub mitted for the first time to an English audience last evening at Her Majesty's Theatre, and that too with a success throughout the whole performance so really remarkable of its kind that upon that success we may at once offer Mr. Mapleson our very heartiest congrr.tulations. Foremost upon the extraordinary list of novelties, promised by the Director of Her Nlejesty's, at the commencement of the season, Nicolai's chef d'oeuvre is aptly enough the earliest of those novelties to have been produced, And the manner of its production is such that it renders us san guine as to the possibility of Mr. Mapleson being yet enabled to fulfil within the compass of this present season the majority at least of the radiant promises massed together in his prospectus. Although Nicolai's comic opera has been condensed in its present form from the original fear acts into Three, the performance of merely those three acts was not over until atter midnight. Again—although the libretto has been duly Italianized from the German original into " Le Spose Allegro di 'Windsor," the week comes, even in its Italian form, before an English audience under the more terse and equally appropriate title of FALSTAFF ! Its production, thus, at length upon the stage of Her Majesty's, occurring, moreover—of all good years that could have been selected for that purpose—in the year of the Shak sperian Tercentenary. And, as if in especial honour of that circumstance, the whole strength of Mr. Mapleeon's establishment may be said to have been lavished upon its performance. The characters, to begin with, were distributed among the very pick of his cotupany. Signor Giuglini was the young lover, Fenton. Made moiselle Titiens was one of the Meery Wives, Mistress FJrd—Mademoiselle Bettelheim, the new contralto, being the other, that is Mrs. Page. Signor Mar cello Junca was the Fat Knight. Mr. Santley, the Jealous Husband. Signor Gassier being not only the other Husband, who is not jealous, to wit, Mas ter Page, but as such (an innovation this, as will be seen, in the plot of the comedy) the impersonator of Herne the Hunter, in the closing scene of the Opera—to the crowning terror of Falstaff, himself already duly disguised in that scene as the antlered spectral-huntsman. Added to these Multi°. Vitali was Anne Page—Signor Mezzetti undertaking Doctor Caius—acd Signor Manfredi, Master Slen der : absurdly misprinted, this last, " Flanders" in the libretto. It will be seen at once, therefore, that nothing whatever was omitted to be done that could be done, with a view to ensuring the effective impersonation of the different characters. Reduced as it is to three acts, Nicolai's " Die Lusti gen Weiber von Windsor" has most appropriately, as it happens, been rechristened '° Falstaff," seeing that each of these three acts is an exhibition of one of the priuepal practical jokes played off by the Merry Wives upon Sir John, or rather, as he now masquerades before us in his title, upon Sir Gio vanni. The first act reaches its climax with the carrying away of the buck-basket to have its con tents tumbled into the Thames at Datchet. The second act attains its climax with the trouncing administered by Ford's cudgel to the burly Lothario while the latter, in waddling out in the disguise of the Fat Woman o f B rant f or d. The third and last act, closes, as a matter of course, with Felstaff's final escapade under the Haunted Oak in Windsor Forest. Most appropriately, therefore, we repeat, the opera, thus revised and condensed, is entitled not the " Merry Wives," but " Falstaff." Now, however, as to what was obviously, of course, the consideration beyond all others of paramount importance in regard to the performance yesterday at Her Majesty's, for the very first time here in Eng land, of Nicolai's masterpiece—the music ! Saving and excepting only, in regard to the inetru menta tion, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to detect through the opera itself, its German author ship. The animation, vivacity, sprightliness, and ' espeelerie of the whole of this graceful and vari able composition, breathe far more of an Italian, or even it might be said, of a French, than of a German origin. The charming overture (already familiar to us, the only portion of the opera we will acknow ledge that was familiar to us) inaugurated the even ing, so to speak, respendently. In this Overture it is that occurs the loveliest air in the whole opera, for that matter, it should be said, the only haunt ing one—that air, namely (any one who has ever listened to it will surely recognise it by the de scription), resembling, as we may say, an undulat ing wave of melody, the outline of the curves of which are carved out, as it were, by the sweeping bows of the violins. So masterly was the performance of the overture last night by the orchestra at Her Majesty's, under the potent wand of Signor Arditi. that the last movement of it, before the raising of the curtain, was announced with a thunder of ap plause, evidencing the admiration with which the whole crowded house had listened to it. A similar greeting was accorded to that slow movement, beginning with the "Bends geloso umore, " of Ford, which constitutes the moat admirable portion of the brilliant finale of the Second Act—admirably rendered by Mr. Santley, Madile. Miens, and the rest, and re. demanded with acclamation. Frequent though the encores were during the later portion of the evening, the most censpieuous success of all in that way was achieved by Signor Giuglini, whose exquisite delivery of the Serenade " Nel boschetto 6 l'usignuolo"—to the delicious acoompaniment of the hushed violins and warbling flutes--was rewarded at its close with a crash of palms and an unanimous cry of encore from boxes, stalls, and amphitheatre. Of Signor Marcella Janet% s Falstaff we would say at least this, unhesitatingly—that in the mere look of it, in the make up and so forth, it was an ex cellent impersonation. As for anything else—well, we must_ freely acknowledge our incapacity to ad mire it. Enough perhaps if we say in explanation of our remarks, here, that it, Sir John as repre sented by Signor Junca, lacked altogether one particle of fun—if we except only, that is, the assumption of a shrill t one o f vo i ce by t h e basso profundo when disguised as t h e Fat Woman of Brentford. Otherwise, Si gnor J unea e s F a l s taff was a F a l sta ff w i th al l the fun taken out of him. Mr. else Santley's Ford, like everythi ng he does,"was admirable—admirable a lik e i n ac ti n g and en singing. Mademois e ll e Titi ens, as Mts. Ford, was the most charming c on t rast to her j ea lous spouse in the latter's mor e ser i ous moods, w h e n eaten up with suspicion or infuriated to outbursts of un governable indignation —th e m ost charming con trast, with her b r i g ht , h appy, de li g htful face, her features often sp ar kli ng all over w i t h laughter, and beyond this, by reason of her gay, glorio us voice, fresher than ever i t seemed last eve ning, and more dazzlinglin its b r illi ancy As for t h e Alaster Slender of Signor Bettini, and the Doctor Caius of Signor Mazzetti, they were the merest s h a d o ws of character well imagineabl e — t h e latter i ll his make up resembling, by the way, one of John Leech's bullet headed Frenchmen—in masquerade. The way in which the whole opera was put upon the stage reflects the highest credit upon Mr. Mapleson's establishment. Two of Mr. Telbin's scenes were exquisite—th e gar d en scene at th e back of Master Page's House —. an d (best of all) the moonlit glade in Windsor Forest. This last one being an eminently beautiful and reall y won d er f u l s tage Llusion. Alto gether, we are speaking strictly within the limit of plain truth, when we say that a more brilliantly sue,cessful first e i g h t of any opera could not by possibility hav e rewar d e d t h e strenuous efforts of the management to ensure it. At the end of each of the three acts the principal performers were summoned between the cur tains and the footlights ; the last time, re ce i v i ng what is called an ovation, meaning thereby s i mp ' y a g reeting marked by genuine enthusiasm. We are equally notifying here a mere matter of fact, we believe, when we add that the audience assembled last evening within the walls of her Majesty's Theatre was the most brilliant that has been there collected together this season, if we except only that purely excep tional night, tho night s et apart at her Majesty's for the entertainment of the great Italian Adyen. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] THE WAR IN JUTLAND, FLENSBURG, APRIL 3. General Gablenz has announced to his troops that the fortifications of Frederizia will be blown up. The municipality of the town of Horsens, having refused to pay the war contribution imposed upon the town by Marshal Wrangel, have been taken to Rendsburg. COPENHAGEN, MAY 3, 2.40 A.M. Manhal Wrangel has designated the war contri bution, imposed by him on the people of Jutland, as a first instalment. The amount of this requisi tion is £96,000, and not £72,000, as was fiat an nounced. ROME. ROME, MAY 1 (Via Marseilles). The Russian Charge d'Affaires having asked the Pontifical Government for an explanation of the Allocution lately delivered by the Pope, Cardinal Antonelli defended the right and necessity of speak ing as the Pope had done. The Charge d'Affaires acknowledged the virtue of Monsignor Felinski, but said that he was a rebellious subject, having invited the Czar to renounce hia possession of Poland. Prince Ladislas Czartoriski has arrived here to see his wife, who is dangerously ill. Cardinal Antonelli has demanded from the Italian Government, through the mediation of a neutral Power, the liberation of Cardinal Morichini, who has been arrested at Jesi, Ancona. PRUSSIA. BERLIN, MAY 4. Prince Alfred left Berlin at half-past 7 this morning, whence his Royal Highness will proceed to Coburg and Darmstadt. SPAIN, MADRID, MAY 3, EVENING. The Provincial Committees were represented at the banquet of the Progressist party in great num bers. There was no crowd nor any police force outside the banqueting hall, and everything passed off quietly. CHINA AND JAPAN. SHANGHAE, MARCH 26. (By telegraph from Suez.) The rebel cause is losing ground. Major Gordon has captured Esling, and is marching on Nankin. Two other cities have surrendered. Advices from Japan state that another Englishman has been nearly assassinated at Nagasaki. Sir Rutherford Alcock has arrived at Yokohama. THE CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS, SUEZ, MAY 3. The Carnatic with the above mails, reached Suez at 2 p.m. this day (one day early). Thu Bengal (extra steamer from Calcutta) arrived at the same time. AMERICA. QUEENSTOWN, MAY 4. The extra steamer Glasgow from New York on the 20th arrived here at 9 a.m. to-day, and proceeded fur Liverpool at 9.15 a.m., all well. Her news has been anticipated. FRANCE. RECEPTION OF THE JAPANESE AMBAS- SADORS. PARIS, MAY 4. The Emperor received the Japanese ambassadors yesterday. In reply to their speech his Majesty said : " I am grateful to the Tycoon for having felt the necessity of giving explanations as to the difficulties attending the execution of the treaty, and also as regards the attack upon a French officer. I sincerely desire to see an extension of our relation. For this end the Japanese Government must, before a:1, cause international laws to be respected, and be convinced of the understanding between the European Powers to defend their honour and interests in distant countries." BOURSE, May 3.—The arrival of the English funds with a decline of t has caused a retrograde movement. Threes have declined to 661. 70c., and Mobilier to I,lBof. Railway Shares rather offered, and some of the lines a trifle lower. The market continued looking down to the close, and left off as follows : 41 per Cents. 94 Do. wad 3 per Cents Do. end month 66 65 Credit Mobilier 1167 50 Do. end mouth 1165 Bank Shares 3360 Credit Fonder 1267 50 Roman Italian Loan 6B 40 Do. end month 6B 40 New ditto — Do. end month •— Russian Austrian .. Spanish Threes 5l Rome Debt Deferred (AlrB. Cash. Account. 880 880 970 935 .. 932 50 882 50 .. 642 50 .. 640 495 .. 495 478 75 .. 480 365 .. 362 50 407 50 .. 410 653 75 .. 653 75 480 .. 480 563 .. 660 240 .. 265 ILA LL Orleans Northern .... Lyons and Mediterranean New ditto Southern Western Eastern Sardinian Austrian Lombard North of Spain Saragossa Ditto to Barcelona MARKETS—This Day. MARK-LANE. The fresh arrivals of home-grown wheat to Mark-lane to•day were but moderate. The greater portion of the sup ply, notwithstanding that the demand ruled far from active, was disposed of at the rates current on Monday. Thare was a fair show of foreign wheat on the stands. In most descriptions a moderate business was transacted, and Monday's quotations were well supported. Floating cargoes of grain moved off steadily, at full prices. With barley the market was seasonably well supplied, but the demand for all descriptions was in a sluggish state, at about previous rates. Malt changed hands slowly, at late rates. Oats, the supply of which on sale was tolerably large, met a slow sale, and prices ruled in sums instances the turn easier. Beans were in slow request, and the quotations had a drooping tendency. In the value of peas no change took place, but the trade ruled quiet. Flour moved off slowly, on former terms. ARRIVALS TILTS WEEK. Wheat. Barley. Malt. ()atm. Flom. English-- 910 20 1,920 13') ' 250 Irish..... — 960 130 230 7,010 30 ske, Dr's. LITERATURE, " Manhattan" as a Novelist, Marion. By " Manhattan." Three Vols. Only Authorised Edition. Saunders,;Otley, and Co. The announcement of a novel by " Manhattan,'' the Yankee Junius, whose dashing letters on the American war have excited so much interest in this country, is a matter of importance in the literary world. So great has been the anxiety for the early appearance of this book in England that it has passed through the press with unprecedented rapidity. A few days only have been allowed for the preparation and publica tion of this three volume novel, each separate volume having been printed in a different establish ment. Manhattan's work is now i❑ the hands of the reading public, whose expectations have been aroused to an extent that will subject the work itself to a very trying ordeal, Perhaps the first feeling of many readers will be somewhat akin to disappointment . , and assuredly the majority will peruse it with some surprise. It is not until the book is finished that its character can ba duly ap preciated. It has no intricate plot, it possesses no vivid interest to enchain the reader's attention, it contains no record of stormy emotions ; it may rather be characterised as a panorama, a penorarea of American life some five-and-twenty years back. Marion, whose name is given to the work, is not, as may have been anticipated, of the gentler sex. Marion Monck (called after General Marion) is the hero of the history, and even as " Vanity Fair" was " a novel without a hero," so is "Marion" a novel without a heroine. At the close of the third volume we leave Marion Monck, aged twenty-five, with the future before him, without wife or lady-love, heart whole and fancy free. When we take leave of him Marion is a partner in a flourishirg commercial business, and is possessed of great literary abilities, which, at that time, how ever, he is not inclined to employ. Many readers will be disposed to recognise in Marion Monts; a shadowy type of Manhattan himself. Although the professed hero of the narrative he is rather a spectator than an actor of the events which it re cords. We follow him through the ten eventful years of his youth, but our attention is chiefly occu pied by the vivid pictures of men and manners, which are displayed to us in rapid succession. And what men and manners they are ! Marion Nortek is a native of South Carolina, " the state, as her leading sons affectionately designate her, in Congress, and elsewhere, has ever been re garded as the most aristocratic state in the Federal Confederacy, and her Eons and daughters are the very elate of the great American population. . . Northern people cave without a murmur to South Carolina preeminence." (Is Manhattan a native of South Carolina ?) The father of Marion is of English parentage, and his mother is of Dutch ex traction. The first years of the youth's life are wild and happy, well calculated to develop his physical powers. "In place of AB C ho knew the number of every fish-hook, if he had no know ledge of grammar he could ride a horse and join in a deer-hunt, if he had no knowledge of geogra phy, he knew every spot where game could be scared up, and for arithmetic he could catch fish and game to an extent that even David could not have counted." His education is, however, t ken in hand by an intelligent relative, and Marion himself becomes ardent in the pursuit of knowledge. In his boyhood he assists his parents in their business. The filmily reside at Monck's Corners, on Cooper River about thirty miles from Charleston. The father keeps a large store, to which " fifteen thousand negroes looked for their little Juan ries. The happiness which this store conferred can hardly be realized." At fourteen the youth, by his own desire, leaves home and goes to seelx his fortune, first at Charleston and then at New York. At New York he is entered as junior clerk in the great commercial house of Granville arid Nordheim, and here for some years he pursues the even tenour of his way, gaining the approbation of his employers and the effection of many friends. Among these is the notorious Mr. Bennett, of the New York Herald, who, when a rupture has taken place between Marion and his employers, urges him to take to the profession of literature. Manhattan and his book will not find additional favour in the eyes of the English public from the fact that James Gordo: Bencett, whose name has acquired noenviable reputation in this country, is very closely connected with both book and author. The first volume c)ntals the following, in many respects, startling— BOROUGH HOP. Good and fine hops are in fair request for immediate con sumption, at full prices, but inferior produce is dull, at barely late rates. IVIIITECHAPEL. The supply of meat on sale is moderate, and the trade rules steady, as follows : Beef, from 3s Od to 4s 4d ; mutton, 3s 61 to 4s 8d ; lamb, 5s 8d to 6s 6d ; veal, 3s 8d to 4e 84 ; and pork, 3s 44 to 4s 44 per Blbs by the carcase. POINDING A LOCOMOTIVE.—The North British Railway Company having refused to pay the full amount of poor-rates for the current year, as intimated to them by the collector, a sheriff-officer was despatched to the Jedburgh station on Tuesday, armed with the usual war rant, and on the arrival of the train there he poinded the engine, much to the dismay of the railway officials. We understand that this step had the desired effect, as the rates were shortly thereafter paid up.—Teviotdale _taco? d. BISHOPRIC OF " NIGER."—The Bev. Samuel Crowther, a native African clergyman, is to be raised to the epiecopate, wader tllo title of " 13iahop Niger,". DEDICATION. I dedicate this book to James Gordon Bennett, Esq., proprietor and editor of the New York Herald, who has carved for himself a record in j ,urnalism that will last as long as newspapers are published—because he first told me that I had those peculiar imaginative qualities that would enable me to write a successful novel. This will test his sagacity. Long years ago, he ass.:irted in the most positive manner that I had qualifications that would give me marked success as a novelist. I laughed at him, because I did not believe him. He asked me if I load read many of the great novels, and when I replied in the negative, he gave noe money to purchase novels written by Scott, Bulwer, and others, I read their works, but I did not write a novel then, though I thought much of what Mr. Bezarett had said. Since then I have done more than write for the daily bread and butter for my family, and have found leisure to write this novel, which may, or may not, verify the pre dictions of Mr. Bennett. AIANIIATTAN Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22, 1864. This announcement is assurenly most unwise. Such an anticipatory flourish of trumpets is calculated to prove dangerous and almost disastrous to a new Novelist. It leads the public to expect too much, and consequently prepares the way for disappointment, according to the old fable of " the mountain" and " the mouse." Also, it seems somewhat surprising to find the very individual, whose name appears in the dedication, prominently introduced into the pages of the work itself. Marion is invited to cal l upon the editor, and here is a full-length portrait of that same notc•rious editor : JAMES GORDON BENNETT. This was an invitation that Mr. Bennett gave to very few people of the tens of thousands that he came in eon tact with then and in after years. This scene in a Nassau-street boarding-house occurred a quarter of a century ago, That editor was as conscious of power at that time as he is now. He cared nothing for money then, save to serve the great purpose of his life, the establishment of a great independent daily journal, modelled after his own ideas of what a dailyjournal should be. He worked then with brain and hands—mentally and phy sically to achieve success, and he succeeded. Ile had com menced with a partner, a stupid jackass, in Anne-street. After the fire, which had burned out his establishment, Mr, Bennett started again, alone, with a solemn determination that for his natural life he would have no more to do with partners. He planted upon the _Herald its imprint, " James Gordon Bennett, Editor and Proprietor," and it has never been changed to this day. His old partner started an op position paper, another Herald, but that soon died out, and Mr, Bennett was in the field alone. He was not inexperi enced in journalism in the city of New York, for as early as 1827 he started in Chatham-square a small daily, which he sold fel one cent. It did not last long. Later he started a Sunday paper. He was for a long time connected with a paper that the celebrated Henry Eckford owned, called the National Advocate, His connection with Webb and Noah is well known. He made these men famous, and when he left the Courier and Enquirer it was to connect himself with a daily journal inPhiladelphia. From thence he came to New York and soon after the Herald sprang into existence. Mr. Bennett was then what he has been in more mature age, quiet, reserved, and thoughtful. Words may esc , pe his memory, but never an idea, or a new idea. Few men can distinguish so readily the difference between mere words, however prettily expressed, and words that convey ideas. He has ever used a small memorandum book. In it he writes a catch word to a thought cr an idea. This book is the key to the editorials in his paper of that or the ensuing day, or used to recall an idea, a fact, or the heading for an article weeks or months alter it was noted, and eventually become the subject matter fur a " leader" or a series of edi torials of a thundering or startling character. He is both shy and extremely sensitive. He admits few to any degree of intimacy with him. Those that he so se• lects must be original men, who are able to suggest new ideas, or strike out new and startling subjects—men who have travelled, and who can give him information upon subjects that he did not know before. All is fish that cornet to his net. He-values men as they contribute to the suc cess of his journal. Personally he is as cold as an icicle. With a man of information. he will talk out an editorial in the very presence of the man who has originated the ideas or facts upon which it is based. He will enlarge upon the emanation of the minds of others so that when they read the very editorial a fow days afterwards, and recognise its groundwork or base, they will be perfectly 'wounded at the beauty and symmetry of its appearance, its orwiraente, and the genies of the entire editorial structure. IC a statesman calls npon him, and he possesses genius originality, or information of any kind, past, pre , . future, that is unknown to Mr. Bennett, the eyes of the latter sparkle—he moves uneasily in his chair, or r uses himself if reclining on a sofa, and leads t•ff ia conversation until he draws his man out, and has drained him dry. Then perhaps he will talk on for his own practice, or I o impress the subject more fully upon his owa memory, or to shape it for an editorial. Some editors write out their thoughts—Mr. Bennett Chinks them out in his solitary hours, and is as ready to dictate a complete editorial from his tongue as others were to write one. Some days a gentle man will see in the next day's Herald an analysis of his own conversation with the editor of the evening previous. What he acquires from anybody goes into the editorial mind and mill, and the editorial miller grinds it and adopts it as his own, and forgets where it came from; and so completely does it become a part of himseif that he will use the identical idea or fact to the very man who gave it to him unless perhaps he has previously used it in the Herald edi• torials. And here is a spccinnen of Mr. Bcnnett's editorial labours, which may be entitled— EDITING BY STEAM. His mind is unceasing in its activity, It is never kilo. Ile comes to his office charged with matter for his editorials. He calls in ono reporter to his private sanctum. Dictating a column, perhaps, upon one subject, the reporter takes it down in short hand in five or ien minutes, and goes out to his desk to write it out. Another reporter succeeds him. Mr, Bennett is perhaps ten minutesmore in dictating another column upon another subject• So it goes on for an hour, until editorial articles of the highest importance are dic tated. The reporters write out these articles. They are rent up to the printing office, and all the force is put on them. Air. Bennett, if he chooses, can read the corrected proof, and not be detained more than an hour at the office from the time he arrived. Such arc the inner work ings of the Herald office, Marion soon afterwards has practical experience of the objectionable character of his friend's editorial practices when he rinds some of his own secrets conspicuous in the columns of the Herald : It was in those days actually considered a horrible mat ter to get into a newspaper. Marion so regarded it. Not so Mr. Bennett. He regarded those matters m hich became talked of among a set or circle, as legitimate articles for a newspaper. So they were ; and now, that the ice is broken, half the people in the land are only too anxious to get their names into the newspapers, attached to anything. At the close of the third volume Mr. Bennett takes leave of Marion with the following valedictory re marks, in which we find an echo of the predictions recorded in the dedication : MR. BENNETT'S PROPHECY. " Now you try merchandizing, Marion, but mark my words, you will not succeed, and when you get sick of your mercantile ambition come back to me. You have talent, and will succeed as a newspaper writer. It has been my opinion for years. I have tried to develope the genius you possess, and I have at least made you aware of the fact that you do possess it. Some day it will come out, and I hold it to be a great pity that you do not commence at once, in stead of wasting your time in the shipping or any other commercial business. See who is right in the long run." Thus spoke Mr. Bennett, and his words sown their pro duced fruit in after years, but not until a long series of mer cantile losses and disasters had made Marion Mouck sen stblo that the editor was right, The predictions of the editor with regard to Marion Monck are now being fiiifilled in the literary career of Manhattan ! That those predic tions wilt be quite justified by the publication of this novel we are inclined to doubt. It is clever, and, more than that, it is valuable as a glimpse of American life: but it falls far short of the expecta tions which it has excited, The style is easy and vigorous, and there is no appearance of effort or straining after effect. The characters are for the most part very forcibly:depicted, and—far the most part —what revolting characters they are ! Mr. Nordheim, the first employer of Marion, is a man of most profligate and reckless character, and we are favoured with full particulars of the history of his mistress—Clara Norris, " the haughtiest, as well as most magnificent, courtezan that ever walked the streets of New York." The general ten our of American society, as revealed in the pages of " Marion," is most unwholesome, and many of the incidents aro singularly revolting. The book is is no way to be called immoral, however, as the vicious conduct it reveals is in no manner pal liated, while in the third volume very " sensa tional" vengeance overtakes the principal actors in the scene. As an extract of a very different cha racter to the above, hero is an incident which befalls Marion when the cholera is raging —one that we may designate fantasticall3-- A CURE FOR CHOLERA.. At that time there was scarcely a store in Broad. street except the one occupied by Granville and Nordheirn. The street was filled with private residencesand boarding-houses Opposite to Mr. Granville's store, at No. 21, was a board ing-house. Marion counted in one day nine coffins taken out of the one house, and that very evening he felt con • vinced that he had the cholera. Mr. Granville was alarmed, and made him go to bed, and sent for funny old Doctor Francis. He was shown into Marion's room. There Marion lay groaning with the cholera. The doctor felt his pulse, asked some questions, and Marion related how many coffins he had seen brought out of No. 24, Broad-street. The doctor smiled, and ordered up a slice of bread. When it came up, lie made up two or three small pills with it. Marion looked at his proceedings with astonishment. " Take these pills; they will cure you," said the doctor. " Why, they are nothing but bread," said Marion, and he jumped up in a rage at the idea of the doctor making fun of him. "Why, the very sight of my pills has cured you," and. the doctor laughed heartily. Marion commenced dressings and he could not help laughing also. It was catching. Mr. Granville laughed, and so did the servant. "Nothing serious is the matter with you. You have no cholera. You have seen so many coffins today that your nerves have be come excited, and you fancied you had the cholera, It's lucky for you, my boy, that I discovered the fact, or you might have had it in earnest, and perhaps died. with it," .n.id Doctor Francis solemnly. The doctor descended to the parlour, accompanied by Marion Monck and Mr. Granville. A glass of old Madeira made Marion quite well, and when the doctor departed, ho went part way home with him. Many persons in the hands of less sensible doctors died that summer with the cholera, who had no more cholera at the commencement than di. , l Marion. The doctors treated such cases as cholera, and they died of cholera. Here, again, is a negro story, not according to Uncle Tom : A PRACTICAL LESSON. " The fact became known that Billy had saved my go vernor's life, and although it secured him a great many praises and favours from other members of ou.r family, yet it never seemed to alter my father's course. IEO seemed to have forgot it, and though Billy did pretty much as he had a mind to do, I do not remember that Billy got severely whipped by my father's orders except on one occElsion." " Whip a poor negro who had saved his mai lter's life I That is gratitude with a vengeance," muttered the jolly Englishmen, Mr. Cubsoa. " Let me finish, sir, if you please," continued Mr, lard. "The occasion was this. My father was somewhat eccentric, but I ever found him a very just man. II e had an overseer on one of his rice plantations, a Mr. II laice, who was a great hand for whipping. My father did not exactly like it, but when he spoke to Maice, the overseer would say, very decidedly, It's no use to try .to get along, sir, with niggers unless you give them a las hing. I never order more than twenty lashes, and it does the niggers good." Maice took his leave, my father pondered over the matter for some time, and then called Billy:4 Billy came. "How d'y, Billy." " How d'y, Massa Frank." " Billy, go and get the overseer's whip," Billy went and got it. "Now help me take off all my clothes," said ray father. " Gor a mity. Massa Frank, what you gwine to do now P'' said Billy. "I want you to give me twenty lashes, as hard as u can put it on, as hard as Maio() whips the ni ggers, " said m yo y father. “Why, Massa Frank, wat do dibble you want for to do now ? Get die nigger hung ?” replied Billy, who was very much scared. "I want you to do as I say. If you aon't, send for Sam, and have you whipped," said my father. "No; I swear God I ean"t lick you, Massa, replied Billy. My father got in a rege, and called in Sam, who was a sort of second negro chief in the house. Same a nne . " Sam, I want you to w hip Billy," sa id my father. " Eh, Billy. What you do Massa, nova? Take off y our cc at." Billy did so at once, and Sam gave him two or tines good cuts, when Billy says, •' If dat is all you want, I gib Clem cuts myself•" "Will you lick me now, Billy ?" said my lather, "' 0, yes hlassa. I'll lick you. Gib me de whip'—and Billy took it and gave his master two rather bard cuts. " Lick me harder, you rascal, or I'll have ".. - iam lick you sgain,' said my father. Thus admonished, Billy part in de big licks,' as Sam, who was a spectator, remarked, until the quantity was reached, his master counting at every stroke, one, two, up to twenty. `There, Billy. I don't like it, and I'll be d—d if I'll ever have another nigger whipped on Loy plantation.' And he never did. lie never afterwards had an overseer ; and if a negro deserved punish ment, he gave the very worst that can ever be given in the South—it was to transfer lAu from ono plantation to an other. W e are inclined to think that the publication of thia book will in no way affect the reputation of the